Introduction
This
site provides access to collection data housed in the Department
of Anthropology, California Academy of Sciences. These data and
images are copyrighted by the California Academy of Sciences, ©2003-2007.
The
permanent research collection of the Department of Anthropology
comprises nearly 16,000 objects, most of which are ethnographic.
The Department actively collects materials from the indigenous cultures
of western North America (exclusive of Mexico) and the Pacific Rim,
including all Pacific islands and East Asia. Current strengths of
the collection are holdings from the U.S. Southwest and the Pacific
Islands, and basketry from California. Earlier years of collecting
have yielded both ethnographic and archaeological materials from
East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Central and South America.
The
database includes digital images of collection objects. Currently,
over 14,000 images are available, with additional images added
as they are produced. Digital photographing of the remainder of
the collection is an ongoing project.
Conditions
of Use
These
data may be viewed and downloaded by individual researchers or research
groups for their private use, but they may not be repackaged, sold,
or redistributed in any form without the express written consent
of the Department of Anthropology, California Academy of Sciences.
If any of the data are used in an analysis or report, the provenance
of the original data must be acknowledged, and the Department of
Anthropology, California Academy of Sciences notified. All photographs
are copyright © California Academy of
Sciences, with all rights reserved. Written permission must be obtained
for all publication use and a complimentary copy of any publications
resulting from the use of these data and images must be provided
to the Department of Anthropology. Publication fees are charged,
but may be waived upon request for scientific and not-for-profit
educational uses. For more information on the access and/or use
of data and images, please visit our Collection
Access page, which includes applicable contact information and
downloadable request forms.
Accuracy
and Limitation of Liability
The
Department of Anthropology makes every attempt to provide reliable
identification and descriptions of the objects in its collection,
but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these data. The Department
has been collecting ethnographic materials and producing catalog
records since 1853. Over the years, many people have worked on researching
and further identifying objects in our collection. Some catalog
records contain very little information, sometimes no more than
a catalog number and name of object; other records are considered
complete in their descriptions and identification. There are bound
to be inaccuracies and misspellings, but we feel that the benefits
of searching our entire database far outweigh the lack of complete
information and/or any errors that may be present. If errors are
found, we would greatly appreciate it if you would bring it to our
attention. You may send your comments via email to
rhartman @ calacademy. org.
Positive
identification should be verified by direct inspection of the objects
themselves whenever possible. The California Academy of Sciences
and its staff are not responsible for damage, injury or loss due
to the use of these data. The collection staff of the Department
of Anthropology will be happy to provide additional information,
if available. Contact Senior Collection Manager, Russell Hartman,
by email (rhartman
@ calacademy.
org) or at (415) 379-5385.
Copyright
©2003-2007 by the California Academy
of Sciences. All Rights Reserved.
Updates
The
data and images in the Anthropology collection database are being
revised and added to on a daily basis. The Web version of our database
is updated monthly, providing you with the most current information
possible.
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